Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the psychometric and structural properties of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) among meditators, to develop a short form, and to examine associations of mindfulness with mental health and the mechanisms of mindfulness.MethodsTwo independent samples were used, a German (n = 891) and a Spanish (n = 393) meditator sample, practicing various meditation styles. Structural and psychometric properties of the FFMQ were investigated with multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling. Associations with mental health and mechanisms of mindfulness were examined with path analysis.ResultsThe derived short form broadly matched a previous item selection in samples of non-meditators. Self-regulated Attention and Orientation to Experience governed the facets of mindfulness on a higher-order level. Higher-order factors of mindfulness and meditation experience were negatively associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, and perceived stress. Decentering and nonattachment were the most salient mechanisms of mindfulness. Aspects of emotion regulation, bodily awareness, and nonattachment explained the effects of mindfulness on depression and anxiety.ConclusionsA two-component conceptualization for the FFMQ, and for the study of mindfulness as a psychological construct, is recommended for future research. Mechanisms of mindfulness need to be examined in intervention studies.
Highlights
Converging evidence shows that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are efficacious in the treatment of psychological disorders, the reduction of stress, and for improving well-being [1]
Only one of the many widely-used mindfulness questionnaires has been developed with direct reference to a two-component conceptualization, the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale [8,9]
While root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) appeared acceptable (,.06), comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) were below a cutoff of.95 each, indicating that fit could be still improved
Summary
Converging evidence shows that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are efficacious in the treatment of psychological disorders, the reduction of stress, and for improving well-being [1]. MBIs assume that mindfulness is an intrinsic state that all humans can cultivate through a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, meditation. It is further assumed that long-term meditation practice cultivates mindfulness skills and that these skills, in turn, promote psychological well-being [2]. Only one of the many widely-used mindfulness questionnaires has been developed with direct reference to a two-component conceptualization, the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale [8,9]. Other widely-used questionnaires, like the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS [10]), were developed with reference to SelfDeterminant theory [11] or, as in the case of the Kentucky
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
